In Case of a Fire

WS200–Winter 2006
Cultural Analysis
Presentation Expectation and Rubric

As stated in the syllabus, this project can be completed as a small group (3 students max) or individually. Because we are examining feminist issues specifically through the scope of “women in the arts,” and class discussion this quarter already covers literature and contemporary film, this project will address broader areas of the arts where women are certainly making an impact such as in TV, Print Media, Music, Visual Arts, etc. (see first handout).

Successful presentations will focus on one particular woman or one specific genre of art and analyze the process and product of the artist through a feminine lens. By feminist lens, I mean a framework, a way of looking and thinking about the art, based on assessing its effectiveness given the goals and objectives of feminist who seek to improve the quality of life for women. For example, you may begin by asking how the artist or work you are examining deals with specific 3rd Wave issues such as Body Image, Reproduction, Sexuality, and Economic Equality, just to name a few. What is the artist’s attitudes toward these issues? Why do you think that is? How does the culture receive that attitude? Does it accept the artist’s notions, copy them, or reject them?
Certainly you will want to ask how her particular work:
1) reflects the dominate ideology and through which institutions,
2) reinforces social and “mythical” norms by providing instruction or warnings, and/or
3) challenges/subverts the status quo, especially for the women within her own reference group.

Depending on the number of groups, the actual speaking portion should aim for between 10-20 minutes of informal dialogue. Beginning with a visual/audio clip or handout is always advisable. Asking questions and engaging the group is welcomed. The presentation should be both informative and inquisitively critical in its analysis.

The paper portion should be a 3 page, typed document of your research and analysis with Works Cited. The Works Cited page should also have a “see also” reference tool for further inquiry. I will give an example of this on the board.

Rubric

Total Available Points: 100 Presentation (worth 50pts.) Typed Paper (worth 50pts.)

Clarity +10 +10
–What ideas about the work do you find most important?
–Why, from your own perspective, is this aspect most important?
–How do you believe this work addresses and challenges feminist issues?

Informative +10 +10
–What background do we need to know to better understand the art?
–How is the work connected to its larger category of art?
–How is the work generally received in the culture? By whom? How do you know?

Analytical +10 +10
–What are the explicit messages of the work?
–What are the implicit messages you find?
–What ideologies and institutions does it reflect and/or challenge?

Energy +10 +10
–What is your overall tone toward your project?
–How much work and heart have you seemed to put into it (evaluated by format, “sample” provided, attention to detail, etc.)?
–Do you offer additional, detailed places to research?

Inquisitiveness +10 +10
–How do you engage your audience?
–What types of questions can you pose?
–How far do you stretch your thinking beyond the class ideas?

Each area will be rated: 10pts All Criteria Met
8-9pts Most Criteria Met
7pts Some Criteria Met
5-6pts Few Met
4-0 Little/none Met

Grading Scale: 92-100pts. A
80-91pts. B
70-79pts. C
62-69pts. D

[I’m sure you may still have questions; we will address further questions on Wednesday.]